Crimes against children are a grave concern, as they significantly affect the mental, physical, and emotional health of children. Healing from the trauma of abuse can be a prolonged process spanning several years.

Ensuring children are safeguarded against any type of violence is a fundamental right secured by the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In South Africa, there are high rates of reported violent offences, encompassing murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, property crime, and vehicle hijacking.

Among these, rape emerged as the most frequently reported crime to law enforcement for children aged 17 and below, followed by common assault and assault resulting in GBH.

The consequences of child sexual abuse typically encompass teenage pregnancy, diminished self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, a lack of trust in adults, and a distorted perception of sexuality. Depending on the severity of these repercussions, some children may even develop suicidal tendencies or engage in self-harm.

Estimates suggest that about 3,500 babies in South Africa experience child abandonment each year, making it a significant and distressing issue.

However, the true extent of the problem remains uncertain due to underreporting and the absence of comprehensive official statistics.

Approximately 65% of abandoned children are newborns, and 90% are under the age of one.

It is estimated that only one-third of abandoned children survive, with many cases going unreported, especially when infants are left in hazardous locations.

Globally, it is estimated that 1.2 million children are trafficked each year. South Africa serves as an origin, transit, and destination country for human trafficking.

Children are being exploited for forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse.

Child abuse rates in South Africa are alarmingly high due to a combination of historical, social, economic, and cultural factors. Here are some key reasons why child abuse is so prevalent:

High Levels of Violence in Society

• South Africa has one of the highest crime and violence rates in the world. The normalisation of violence in communities contributes to the abuse of children at home and in schools.
• Many children grow up witnessing domestic violence, which increases their risk of experiencing or perpetrating abuse later in life.

Poverty and Unemployment

• Widespread poverty and unemployment lead to stress, frustration, and substance abuse in households, increasing the risk of child neglect and abuse.
• Many parents or guardians struggle to provide basic needs, leading to neglect, child labour, and even trafficking.

Breakdown of Family Structures

• Many children grow up in single-parent households or under the care of extended family members, sometimes in environments where they are more vulnerable to abuse.
• The HIV/AIDS epidemic has left many children orphaned or in unstable living conditions, making them more susceptible to exploitation.

Cultural Beliefs and Myths

• The virgin cleansing myth, which falsely claims that having sex with a virgin can cure HIV/AIDS, has led to the rape of many young children.
• Some cultural norms discourage open discussions about sex, preventing children from reporting abuse or recognising inappropriate behaviour.

Weak Law Enforcement and Corruption

• Despite strict laws protecting children, law enforcement is often ineffective due to corruption, a lack of resources, a lack of training, and social stigma around reporting abuse.
• Many cases of child abuse go unreported because victims fear not being believed or worry about retaliation.

Substance Abuse

• Alcohol and drug abuse, particularly in low-income areas, are strongly linked to increased domestic violence and child abuse.
• Intoxicated caregivers may be more prone to neglecting or harming children.

Overburdened Social Services

• Child protection agencies and welfare services are overwhelmed and underfunded, making it difficult to provide adequate support and intervention for at-risk children.

Inadequate Education and Awareness

• Many children and parents are unaware of their rights or the available resources to report and prevent abuse.
• Schools often lack proper child protection policies, leaving children vulnerable to abuse by teachers or peers.

Challenges in Child Protection and Welfare:

• Resource Limitations: Many child protection services in South Africa are under-resourced, leading to inadequate support for vulnerable children.
• Training and Capacity: There is a need for improved training and capacity-building among professionals working in child welfare to effectively address complex cases.
• Coordination Among Agencies: Effective child protection requires seamless coordination among various agencies, which is often lacking, leading to gaps in service delivery.

This is where we step in. We’ve established a robust network of professionals—including lawyers, advocates, SAPS officials, social workers, places of safety, NPOs, medical experts, and first responders—

to bridge the gap in intervention resources for children in need of care and protection.

Additionally, we offer specialised training on child protection, covering both procedural and operational aspects, tailored for first responders and individuals working with children in crisis.